As you'd expect, I absolutely love it. I love that she made it herself, I love the little block beads that spell her beautiful name, I love that she still checks my wrist a whole year later to make sure I'm wearing it, but most of all I love it because of how proud she was to give it to me as a Mother's Day gift. I'll never forget how she beamed from ear to ear as I unwrapped it and tried it on for the first time. She seemed so grown up in that moment and I relive it each time I wear the bracelet.
The company I work for has a very formal office environment and professional attire is expected at all times. The men wear suit jackets and ties every day, business casual is frowned upon, and there are no dress down Fridays for us. I think the walls would burst into flames if everyone showed up in jeans. Anyway, my childlike multi-color bead bracelet doesn't exact match my work wardrobe, but I've worn it religiously nonetheless and answered many questions about its origin when I remove my suit jacket or let it slip out from under a long-sleeve shirt. It's small and easy to conceal if needed, and most people think it's adorable when they hear the story behind why I wear it.
When I got home from work on Friday, Punky was waiting with a red, tissue paper package in hand. I knew instantly that it was this year's Mother's Day project at school.
"Is that for me?" I asked, pretending to be surprised.
"Yes, Mommy! Open it! It's for Mother's Day!" she could hardly contain her excitement.
"Well, Mother's Day isn't until Sunday. I think maybe I should wait to open it then." I flashed her a smile and a wink.
"No, Mommy! You have to open it now! I want you to wear it!" she screeched.
Wear it? I was a bit nervous. Surely the package was too big to be another bracelet. What if it was some kind of hand-sewn hat or something? What if she expects me to wear it every day? How could I possible love another hand-made gift as much as I love my bracelet?
I stalled for time but ultimately lost and ended up opening the package. As I carefully peeled the tape and opened the tissue paper, that familiar look of pride swept across Punky's beautiful, little face.
A necklace. Big. Long. A seemingly endless string of random beads in multiple shapes, colors, and sizes. She'll want me to wear it to work every day. It will stick out like a sore thumb. The bracelet is one thing, but the necklace just can't be hidden as easily. I love it and all but I just can't...
"Do you like it, Mommy! I worked on it a long time and just finished it in music class today! I put lots of heart beads on there 'cause I love you so much. And see the little square ones? They have the letter 'M' on them for 'Mommy'. And I made sure to use lots of different green ones because green is your favorite color! Let me put it on for you, Mommy!"
My eyes filled with tears as I leaned forward so she could slip the necklace over my head.
"I love it, sweetie," I managed to whisper, "I really, really love it. It's absolutely beautiful, just like you."
Looks like I have a new necklace for work tomorrow. And I couldn't be more proud to wear it.
